UUP candidate wants work on town centres

UUP candidate wants work on town centres

26 June 2024

SOUTH Down UUP Westminster election candidate Michael O’Loan has called for work to help revitalise town centres across the constituency, including Downpatrick.

He said the rise in online shopping and changing consumer habits have left many main streets struggling.

Mr O’Loan said historic market towns like Downpatrick, Rathfriland and Kilkeel have never recovered from the impact of the troubles, with vacant premises in every town across the constituency.

Admitting there are no easy fixes, he believes there are four main ways to improve things by everyone working together.

“Politicians should facilitate the relocation of peripheral shops and businesses that want to move into the heart of towns. If businesses cluster together, we can create synergy, increasing footfall and economic activity,” said Mr O’Loan.

“Simplifying the planning process will make it easier to change the use of properties to better reflect current, local needs and allow commercial spaces to return to residential units. 

“This would bring more people within walking distance of our town centres, helping foster a sense of community, support increased activity and foster new business and leisure opportunities.”

Mr O’Loan also believes the business rates system needs to be overhauled to encourage innovative start-ups. 

“Our MPs must engage in a serious debate about this national policy, mitigating the negative effects of these rates and address the different treatment of different property 

types which impacts decision-making on how best to use them,” he continued.

“We should boost public investment to help transform our shared spaces into attractive destinations where people want to spend time. We must prioritise projects and schemes that will attract public funds to boost activity and improve public realms, green spaces, and community amenities.”

The UUP candidate said all politicians must lead this debate and agree practical help to encourage and speed up finding new uses for vacant shops and offices. 

Mr O’Loan added: “Rapid change can be challenging to manage and frightening for some.

“Too many of our politicians resist change by trying to deny it. Too many push agendas that lament 

the way society is evolving, yet they offer no positive way forward. We should not let them hold the rest of us back.”